When tea lovers ask, “If vine tea can help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, is it better than green tea?”—it’s a fair question. Both are healthy, but they’re quite different in origin, composition, and benefits.
Let’s break it down so you can choose the right tea for your needs.
1. Origin – Different Plants, Different Stories
Vine Tea:
Scientific name Ampelopsis grossedentata, a climbing vine from the grape family, native to the Wuling Mountains. It’s a “non-tea tea,” meaning it doesn’t come from the tea plant, but is classified as both food and medicine in traditional Chinese practice.
Green Tea:
Made from the young leaves of Camellia sinensis (the tea plant), green tea is one of the six major traditional tea types in China, produced through processes like pan-firing and rolling.
Quick way to tell them apart:
Vine tea is a vine “wearing a tea name,” while green tea is a true tea leaf with a long heritage.
2. Nutrients & Health Focus – Choosing by Your Needs
Vine Tea – Flavonoid Powerhouse
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Contains extremely high levels of natural flavonoids, especially dihydromyricetin (DHM)
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Flavonoid content can be up to 30 times higher than green tea (with young bud vine tea reaching 40–50%)
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Known as “natural penicillin” and a “vascular cleaner” for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Best suited for:
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People who drink alcohol or smoke frequently (supports liver detox)
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Those with poor sleep (vine tea is caffeine-free and can promote relaxation)
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Individuals with unstable blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar
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People with chronic throat discomfort or pharyngitis
Green Tea – Polyphenols & Caffeine for Energy
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Rich in tea polyphenols and catechins
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Offers antioxidant support, aids digestion, and boosts mental alertness
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Contains caffeine—ideal for those needing an energy lift
Antioxidant strength: Vine Tea > Green Tea
Energizing effect: Green Tea > Vine Tea
3. Taste – Similar Yet Different
Both teas share a fresh, clean taste with a pleasant aftertaste. However:
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Vine tea starts with a slightly more bitter note than green tea, but its lingering sweetness (huigan) is stronger and lasts longer.
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Green tea offers a brisker, lighter freshness but with less lingering sweetness.
4. Which One Should You Choose?
It’s not about which tea is “better,” but which tea is better for you right now:
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Choose Green Tea if you want a caffeine boost, improved digestion, and an energizing drink.
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Choose Vine Tea if you need liver protection, antioxidant support, throat care, or a caffeine-free beverage for evening relaxation.
Just like rice and noodles—both are good, it depends on your needs and taste preference.
Choosing Quality Vine Tea
If vine tea sounds right for you, source it from trusted producers for maximum benefits. JINQI Vine Tea Co., Ltd. has been cultivating and processing authentic Ampelopsis grossedentata from Laifeng County for over 20 years, using eco-friendly farming and GMP-certified production to deliver the highest flavonoid-rich quality.
Drink with purpose. Choose tea that supports your health.
FAQ
Q1: Is vine tea caffeine-free?
Yes. Vine tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable for both day and evening drinking.
Q2: Which has more antioxidants, vine tea or green tea?
Vine tea has significantly higher flavonoid content, offering stronger antioxidant potential.
Q3: Can I mix vine tea and green tea together?
Yes. Blending them can combine vine tea’s liver-protective benefits with green tea’s energizing effects.
